How could game day in Athens be improved?
Would the Dawg Walk be even greater if more fans could experience it? (AJC staff)
Game-day traditions are a big part of college football. Even though fans of rival schools like to trade trash talk about each others’ traditions, there’s an overall appeal to the colorful spectacle and sometimes heart-pumping excitement of the various rituals. You don’t have to be a fan of Ohio State to appreciate their band’s dotting of the “i” or the many quirky traditions of Texas A&M.
The Sporting News’ Dave Curtis and Matt Hayes have each listed their top 10 game-day traditions, and UGA mascot Uga placed high on Hayes’ list, coming in at No. 2 behind the Saturday night atmosphere at Death Valley in Baton Rouge.
I must admit, I never really thought of Uga as a game-day tradition — more like a 365-days-a-year tradition — but I can see how a visitor to Sanford Stadium would come away most impressed with what many outside the Bulldog Nation consider the best mascot in college football.
We discussed UGA game-day traditions last summer, and I noted out of the many things I get a kick out of on fall Saturdays in Athens — from the kids waving at the team buses rolling by on Lumpkin to the ringing of the chapel bell after a win — my particular favorites are the Dogs walking toward the east end zone while the Redcoats play “Krypton Fanfare” during the warm-ups, and, most of all, the spine-tingling solo from the trumpeter in the southwest corner of the upper level stands before kickoff.
At the time, I asked in a poll what your favorite game-day tradition was, and the solo trumpeter finished first, with 49 percent of the votes, followed by the Larry Munson pre-game video, the team’s Dawg Walk, ringing the chapel bell and the Krypton Fanfare.
Ah, yes. Just thinking about all of that has me hankering for September.
Of course, that doesn’t mean some game-day traditions in Athens couldn’t stand some tweaking.
The one that immediately comes to mind is tailgating, which has become an increasingly troubled proposition in recent years and stands to get even hairier, pardon the pun, this season with the severe limitations on when and how and with what fans can set up on the North Campus quads. It’s unfortunate, but the pig sty that fans were turning the campus into pretty much has quashed attempts to have a tailgating atmosphere along the lines of the Grove at Ole Miss. I’m not sure what the solution is there, but I have a feeling making folks pay to tailgate in the quads might be where we’re headed.
And as I noted last year, the problematic physical layout and very limited sight lines of the Dawg Walk in the Tate Center parking lot keep it from being a must for many fans. I realize the coaches probably wouldn’t be too thrilled about a lengthy walk for the team on its way to the stadium, but if there was a way to have the Dawg Walk wind through a more open area of the campus than that rather cramped parking lot, I’m sure many more fans would enjoy the chance to see the players up close before a game.
Got any ideas along those lines or concerning improving tailgating? Or are there any other game-day traditions you think could be improved? Anything new you’d like to see established as a tradition in Athens? Is there something you’d like the Redcoats to add to their game routine? Feel free to share your ideas. …
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282 comments Add your comment
AltamahaDawg
May 27th, 2010
9:44 am
Realistic…carefull. BuLLdawg will correct you that HE already said that.
CONFEDERATE DAWG
May 27th, 2010
9:45 am
U R RIGHT YOU DO MAKE A GOOD POINT THAT OUT OF RESPECT FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE OFFENDED. BUT OUT OF RESPECT FOR PEOPLE WHO DIED FOR SOMETHING THEY BELIEVED IN CAN AMERICA STOP LABELING OUR FLAG AS A SIGN OF HATE N SLAVERY?
AceDawg
May 27th, 2010
10:17 am
There should be some sort of band that drives around in a big open truck/trailer to pump people up. A little like a parade float. People would get excited to anticipate when the group would make it’s round to them.
Sportsfan82
May 27th, 2010
10:21 am
Two thins in regards to the Redcoats. Being a former member, it’s a fantastic organization; however, I would love to see the Redcoats go back to the tradation of running out onto the field and running in place. It always got the fan’s attention. The band would then march down the filed with high steps. Whatever happened to the high stepping Redcoats? Please bring it back. Remember how Flordia State entered the fild during the Sugar Bowl when we played them.
Another great idea would be for the Redcoats to March from Stegman to the Dawg Walk before the games. This would solve the problem of getting to the walk in time just before the DAWGS arrive.
Let’s create some new excitement. Of course the SEC banned electric squads so that’s why it had to go away.
GO DAWGS, WIN IT ALL!
ray
May 27th, 2010
10:44 am
we really need to continue tailgating in the quads. It’s a shame many people cannot handle the privilege. Therefore, I believe setting up a clean-up standard of each registered site; if left a mess, then ticket them heavy. Sadly, people have to be punished for being flippin’ idiots. Trust me, I’m as smashed as the rest of them, but I clean up my trash.
Dan
May 27th, 2010
10:52 am
As a former UGA cheerleader and a national consultant to teams now my first suggestion would be for the UGA staff to hire, or solicit, a coordinator for the Redcoats and cheerleading squad. The right hand has no idea what the left hand is doing these days. There are so many cheer squads on the field at each game none are working together, but performing largely for themselves. As much as I hate to use Fla as an example, they DO co-ordinate the band (not as good as UGA) with their smaller but more effective cheer squad to produce a BIG sound. That coupled with a winning team is unbeatable! Keep the songs and cheers short and easy-to-repeat and upbeat. Fans don’t want a book of cheers and lyrics on Saturday in Sanford, or a towel that means nothing. You have to draw your fans to want to cheer with a pride of their product. And, oh yes, let’s get another fierce , live , UGA VIII on the field right now!!!! GO DAWGS!!!
mbdawg
May 27th, 2010
10:55 am
Game DAY. Night games are fine in the heat of the early season. But these unsettled schedules due to the whims of the broadcasters are a killer. Waiting until a week, maybe two, before the game to find out what time of day or night kick-off is, then scrambling to find accommodations. line up pet care, and fork out a whole lot more money for all of the above – is a bit much for this Dawg fan living two states away. The SEC should give a bit more consideration to the loyal season ticket holding fans, and not pander to the TV broadcasters.
Wonder why people are bitter
May 27th, 2010
11:01 am
Enter your comments here
How2fish
May 27th, 2010
11:01 am
Hire the Cheetah girls to dance at halftime and at the beginning of the 4th quarter…
Racist or Factual
May 27th, 2010
11:05 am
Little story from a former tax preparer, this was her last client
29 year old woman
9 kids
6 different last names
not job for calender year of 2009
Had every type of government help you can imagine
left the tax office w/ a check for $12,000 dollars
So when you laugh at rascists, maybe they should call you stupid for being lax and tolerent to allow this system to keep propping up the ones who will not help themselves.
We paid someone 12k to not work and spit babies out. Yeah and white folks arent a little bitter.
bobby
May 27th, 2010
11:09 am
Enter your comments here
OrlG8r
May 27th, 2010
11:16 am
How could game day in Athens be improved?…..
Move it to Gainesville….
U R Right
May 27th, 2010
12:08 pm
@ confederate dog i understand the words don’t mention killing etc etc. But the undeniable fact is that the song was and still is in some instances used for negative purposes. It doesn’t matter if the original intent was there or not. And for the majority of African Americans it does not hold the positive connotation that you do. I personally have had a negative experience with it and I am very young so I am not talking about back in the day. I can say this with out hesitation, as a Black athlete I would never have come to a school that plays that song or waves the flag. That’s a personal choice.
@Altamaha…. You missed my point. She can explain and you may not agree, but the fact that she feels so strongly about it is reason enough for you to back down. Whether it’s rational or not (but maybe you have the only 100% rational wife in all the land.)
U R Right
May 27th, 2010
12:10 pm
@ racist or Factual,
Are you saying that only people of color fit that mold? IF so that is racist. But if you are saying that any one who fits it needs to have their @rses kicked, then I am with you 110%
dawgs01
May 27th, 2010
12:10 pm
why no more night games those are the best if your to old to attend a night game dont go
lil e
May 27th, 2010
2:02 pm
Can the song with “Teenage Wasteland” in the lyrics.
ozzfest
May 27th, 2010
2:39 pm
MAKE DAMON EVANS GO TO THE CONSESSION AREA ON THE NORTH SIDE 50 YARD LINE THE NEXT TIME HE GETS THIRSTY.
AFTER HE WAITS 20 MINUTES IN THE CRAMPED, BROILING, DUNGEON-LIKE CONCRETE TUNNEL….SLOGGING THROUGH SPILLED ICE AND BOURBON….I BET WE SEE A JACKHAMMER WITHIN 30 DAYS…
Racist or Factual
May 27th, 2010
2:54 pm
U R Right,
If the shoe fits then wear it. Look at the percentages of the ones who make up the majority. Look at the ones who thought NoBama was going to pay for there gas and rent. Yeah, I am a racist- Not a truth giver. The Liberal Pansy’s of this country just cant stand to here it. White America has lost its nerve and is scared to stand up to the black man because of what happened 150 years ago, but no I will go sit and let this country be ruined by the lack ofbackbone White Americans have.
samuel
May 27th, 2010
3:02 pm
Let’s stop all the racism and play DIXIE!!!!
Sportsfan82
May 27th, 2010
3:39 pm
To all, “be careful what you put out here because it may come back to haunt us” Please move into the 21st Century and take race out of the decussion. The past is the past so let’s move forward and get all the best players the great state of Georgia has to offer. These kids we are seeking do read this mess.
Enough said, GO DAWGS!
Rodney Brown
May 27th, 2010
7:43 pm
How about “Who Let the Dawgs Out” (Dance Remix) by Baha Men to start the game and “Let’s Get it Started” by the Black Eyed Peas to start the 4th quarter. If the Redcoat band can play these two songs, it would show their talent and they are two great hype songs that would definitely get the crowd into it.
CONFEDERATE DAWG
May 27th, 2010
11:30 pm
OK WELL IF YOU AINT DOWN WITH DIXIE THEN YOU PROB AINT DOWN WITH THE SOUTH AND AINT COMING HERE ANYWAYS. THATS LIKE ME SAYIN BLACK PEOPLE ARE HOODLUMS AND THUGS B/C SOME ARE AND PUTTING THEM ALL IN THAT GROUP. I DONT EXPECT BLACK PEOPLE TO GO RESEARCHING THE CIVIL WAR. BUT I PLAY BALL WITH BLACK KIDS EVERY NIGHT AND I DO IT IN A C.S.A. TSHIRT. I MEAN JUST THE FACT WE SUPPORT THE DAWGS OR SPORTS IN GENERAL SHOULD DISCARD US BEING RASCIST. I THINK BET IS UNFAIR AND OFFENSIVE BUT YOU KNOW WHAT I DO. I DONT WATCH IT. MY ONLY REAL POINT IS THAT IF YOU SUPPORT THE USA OR STAR SPANGLED BANNER ALL OF THAT HAD JUST AS MUCH TO DO WITH SLAVERY AS THE C.S.A. IT ISNT OUR FAULT PEOPLE DONT WANNA LEARN THE TRUTH AND ARE CONTENT TO BELIEVE YANKS.
CONFEDERATE DAWG
May 27th, 2010
11:40 pm
AND YOU THINK IF I GO TO A COURT WHERE NO ONE KNOWS ME BLACK PEOPLE AINT RASCIST? YOU THINK THERE ARENT ALOT OF PEOPLE THAT DONT FIND RAP OFFENSIVE? THATS LIFE MAN, GONNA BE RASCIST BLACKS AND WHITES FOREVER, IS WHAT IT IS. I PERSONALY JUST THINK ITS WRONG THAT THE NORTH MADE THEMSELVES OUT TO BE ANGELS AND THE SOUTH DEVILS. SO IM TAKING THE FLAG BACK.
Iron Dawg
May 28th, 2010
10:09 am
Phil C is on to something with the 4th quarter finger wave – weak, plus every other school has it as well so it isn’t unique in the least. Night games should stay as the crowd is more amped up for those than any other by far! In fact, while 1pm games are traditional, they actually start off boring many times because so many people aren’t in their seats yet (probably because there’s no where to park in Athens). Noon games are the worst. What if instead of “dot’ing the I” we had a special former player/person to lead the team on the field for each home game? Maybe fans could vote on it?
GaDawg
May 28th, 2010
5:32 pm
Frank Lane
May 26th, 2010
1:15 pm
pcidoc
May 26th, 2010
1:16 pm
Y’all got it goin’ on!!!!! I’ve thought from the first time I heard that song? rap? Whatever? that it was the perfect intro for the Dawgs!!!!!! This REALLY needs to HAPPEN PEOPLE!!!!!!
GaDawg
May 28th, 2010
5:44 pm
Enter your comments here
Wholetthedawgsout
May 28th, 2010
5:52 pm
WHO WHO WHO WHOWHO WHO LET THE DAWGS OUT?
#2 BAMA FAN
May 29th, 2010
4:29 am
Play a AC/DC song just like Alabama does and it may bring the dawgs good luck?
Wholetthedawgsout
May 29th, 2010
9:44 am
Black jerseys for all home games this year, with one exception, red for Homecoming!
No. Ga. bob
May 29th, 2010
10:11 am
Jacksonville State U, Jacksonville, Ala. has the greatest band! (The majority of your band directors come from there. Pre-game, the band lines up on the side line, endzone to endzone (Mostly brass). STARS FELL ON ALABAMA is then played. This is done on both sides of the field. You actually feel the stands are moving backward from the force. The home fans are inspired and the visitors are spellbound. They get the message that this is our field…this is who we are!
The redcoat band certainly has the numbers but can they produce the sound? If they can why don’t they work up a blaring piece of GEORGIA ON MY MIND? Or will they just wait until Georgia State decides to just that song for their own?
GaDawg
May 31st, 2010
12:43 pm
No. Ga. bob, I agree with you on GEORGIA ON MY MIND. I would also like to hear SWEET GEORGIA BROWN for old time sake, but yeah, GEORGIA ON MY MIND! It’s our state song, and no other arms and no other eyes can take her place!!
Redcoat
June 3rd, 2010
5:40 am
I love how everyone hates on the band saying the Redcoat Band should drop the traditional music in favor for some new songs that only a small minority enjoys. These same people are the ones screaming “TRADITION!!!”. This entire thread is pointless. Obviously gameday is pretty good, I would say that 92,000+ fans every week prove that fact. If you don’t like what is going on, sell your ticket to one of the many true fans that are out there willing to kill for a chance to see their Dawgs play on Saturday! That being said, if we are going to go making changes to the way things are done, get rid of all music played on the PA system! Let the band do its job of filling Sanford Stadium with the anthems of Bulldog Country! If I wanted to listen to prerecorded music, I would put in my headphones and play it. There is nothing like the feeling you get from live music from a huge marching band. That, my friends, is what makes college football what it is and what it should be, the incredible energy in the air on gameday provided by the legendary Redcoat Band complementing the sounds of the battle occurring down on the field as the Bulldogs manhandle the sad little rich boys from Vandy, the hillbillies from Bama, the Jort-wearing Gators, and the pathetic USC Chickens! Can I get an Amen from the Bulldog nation?